MIR's Travel Blog:At the Crossroads of Europe and Asia

Honeymoon Hideaways: 10 Under-the-Radar Romantic Destinations

When the last bottle of bubbly is finished and the wedding party is over, most newlywed couples can agree that what they look forward to most is enjoying a moment of post-wedded bliss on their honeymoon.

St. Petersburg, Russia

A view of the Palace Square near the Hermitage Museum, St. PetersburgPhoto credit: Jered Gorman

For something royally romantic, look no further than St. Petersburg. As the lavish former home of the czars and their courts, the city holds a rich repository of sumptuous imperial palaces, dazzling cathedrals, and fashionable boulevards. St. Petersburg is also Russia’sunsurpassed capital of culture, and the city glows with a rich cultural life, represented by the world-renowned Hermitage Museum and the magnificent Mariinsky Theater, whose ballet troupe fostered Baryshnikov and Nureyev.

For an extra-special honeymoon spot, head to the Potseluev, or “Kiss Bridge,” near St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Tradition dictates that newlyweds are supposed to kiss as they walk across the bridge to bring happiness to their marriage. Potseluev is one of the few bridges in St. Petersburg that isn’t a drawbridge, which is why locals regard it as a symbol of union.

A view of the promenade and the Hermitage Theater from the Neva River Photo credit: James Beers

Croatia

Dubbed “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik has been a Dalmatian Coast darling for centuries Photo credit: Croatian Tourist Board

The picture-perfect Croatian coastline has long been a favorite destination of Western Europeans. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, this narrow strip of rugged land shares the beauty of the Greek coast, with limestone cliffs and an archipelago of more than a thousand lovely islands connected by ferries and yachts — not mention some of the best beaches in Europe.

Ruled for generations by Rome and Venice, the coast inherited a laid-back, life-loving Italian feel, as well as a deep appreciation for time-honored culinary and winemaking traditions. Dubrovnik is the biggest draw, but there are dozens more off-the-beaten-path places that can be a perfect honeymoon hideaway for two: the city of Split is excellent for active adventurers, while further north, the Istrian peninsula showcases some of the best food and wine in the country.

A panoramic view of Hvar and its turquoise harborPhoto credit: Croatian National Tourist Board

Krakow, Poland

Poland’s royal city, KrakowPhoto credit: Martin Klimenta

A richly varied feast for the eyes, Krakow has an enchanting and hip energy all its own. As Poland’s ancient royal capital for more than half a millennium, no other city in the country has as many historic buildings and monuments, and nowhere else will you encounter such a vast collection of works of art.

The striking Old Town, with its stately architecture and aristocratic palaces, has remained remarkably intact, and contains the largest remaining medieval town square in Europe — Rynek Glowny, the Main Market Square, laid out in 1257. UNESCO included the historic center of Krakow on its first list of world cultural heritage sites in 1978.

A cozy visit to a café in Kazimierz, Krakow’s former Jewish QuarterPhoto credit: Martin Klimenta

Meanwhile, old neighborhoods like Kazimierz and Podgorze are once again alive and buzzing with trendy cafes and bars, not to mention a burgeoning arts and cultural scene. More than 100 festivals take place here every year, showcasing the city’s best in film, literature, theater, and music, and art aficionados will appreciate Krakow’s treasure trove of galleries and museums — the city houses some 2.5 million artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s famed Lady with an Ermine on display in the world-class Czartoryski Museum.

Lake Baikal, Russia

A lake of superlatives: Baikal is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world Photo credit: Vladimir Kvashnin

Siberia may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of honeymoon destinations, but this massive region of unsurpassed wild beauty has an unconventional and otherworldly appeal all its own. To truly understand the incredible natural riches that await here, you simply must make a pilgrimage to Siberia’s beautiful UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal.

A shaman performs a ritual on Lake Baikal’s Olkhon Island, the heart of shamanism in Siberia Photo credit: Vladimir Kvashnin

For a truly unique and unforgettable way to top off your honeymoon, you and your loved one can attend a shaman ceremony near one of Baikal’s historically sacred spots. Local shamans believe that everything in the natural world — rock, tree, river, animal, and star — has a spirit. Through special rituals, they attempt to channel and influence these spirits to ask for blessings of health and happiness.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s regal old city and towering castle above the Vltava are beautifully lit at sunsetPhoto credit: Czech Tourist Authority

Couples searching for Old World European charm without the heavy crowds will find their place in Prague. Called the “Hundred-Spired City,” Prague’s beautifully preserved Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical churches and palaces make it one of the great cities of Europe, and its gorgeous Old Town has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its rich architectural and cultural history.

Prague’s magnificent Old Town SquarePhoto credit: Czechtourism

Stunning architecture abounds in the city, from baroque buildings and cobblestone squares, to unexpected gems tucked away in hidden courtyards, making Prague a wonderful place to explore hand in hand with your significant other.

For architecture buffs, be sure to visit dramatically perched Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Begun in the 9th century as a walled hill-fort, the complex grew as each successive ruler added to it in a different architectural style. Aside from the incredible cathedrals and palace buildings, the castle also contains museums and galleries housing some of the most important artistic and cultural treasures in the Czech Republic.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Fairytale fanatics will fall head over heels for Lake Bled. At over a mile long and 3/4 of a mile wide, Lake Bled is a large, stunning spot of icy blue surrounded by gorgeous alpine scenery and the hills of northwestern Slovenia. The lake is glacial in origin and in its center stands the only natural island in Slovenia.

Bled’s 15th-century Church of the Assumption contains a “wishing bell” you can ring to ask a special favor Photo credit: Peter Guttman

On warm summer evenings, couples enjoy taking cruises on traditional wooden pletna boats to Bled Island. According to local tradition, a husband should carry his new bride up the 99 steps leading from the island’s south dock to the Church of the Assumption. Inside the belfry of this lovely 15th century cathedral is a “wishing bell,” which newlyweds ring to ask for good luck in their marriage.

A boatride on Lake Bled, SloveniaPhoto credit: Peter Guttman

If your sweetheart is more of the thrill-seeking type, Bled also makes a fantastic base for day hikes and active adventures in Triglav National Park, which encompasses much of the snowcapped peaks of the Julian Alps.

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Croatia and Greece are frequently touted as the shining stars of the Adriatic, but Montenegro with its miles of beautiful coastline and unbelievably fresh seafood is proving to be just as enviable a destination. If you’re looking for a piece of paradise to get away from it all, consider the charming seaside village of Sveti Stefan, located on a gorgeous little island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.

Sveti Stefan sits on one of the prettiest sections of the Montenegrin coastlinePhoto credit: Paul Whitmore

Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, Sveti Stefan’s red-roofed stone houses, some of whose walls seem to plunge straight into the sea, were originally inhabited by Montenegrin fishermen and their families over 600 years ago. Today, the entire island has been wonderfully renovated and rebuilt as part of the exclusive Aman Resort, and has everything honeymooners could wish for — romance, luxury, and of course, privacy.

Crystal-clear turquoise watersPhoto credit: Martin Klimenta

Deluxe dining opportunities, cafes, and bars dot the island, and the stand-alone spa features pampering treatments, a pool, and a fitness center. Rooms, cottages, and suites offer luxurious amenities, and complimentary WiFi is available throughout.

Georgia

For centuries, poets and writers have been inspired by the raw beauty of Georgia’s Greater Caucasus MountainsPhoto credit: Norman Leaper

A land of ancient history and up-to-the-minute strategic importance, Georgia is a country of superlatives. Arguably the oldest wine-producing area in Europe, Georgia has long held an important place in history at the crossroads of trade, religion, language, and the arts, and boasts a fabulously rich source of ancient artifacts andbountiful table traditions. Hikers and nature-lovers gush over its majestic mountain scenery, and epicures agree that some of the most sumptuous food in the world is served at a Georgian feast.

Walking through the vineyards in Georgian wine countryPhoto credit: John Wurdeman

Kamchatka, Russia

If you and your significant other prefer to stray far off the beaten path, then heed the call of Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula. Thrusting upward from the Pacific Ring of Fire, this volcanic region has often been compared to Yellowstone National Park, and contains one of the most unique and pristine ecosystems in the world.

Also known as caribou, Kamchatka’s reindeer graze during the short summer period of migrationPhoto credit: Martin Klimenta

Kamchatka is home to some 150 volcanoes, including the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere, as well as steaming geysers and hot springs. It’s also one of the world’s most abundant wildlife areas; thousands of reindeer, snow sheep, foxes, wolves, sables, and bears — the largest in Russia — reside in the interior, while coastal areas support seals, sea lions, otters, and roughly half the world’s population of Steller’s sea eagles, which are native to the Russian Far East.

For a phenomenal glimpse of Kamchatka’s untouched primal beauty, you and your loved one can take a helicopter ride over smoking calderas to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Geysers in the famed Kronotsky Nature Preserve. Or, find a slice of solitude in the great outdoors on a day-hike or multi-day trek, scaling one of the many volcanoes and mountain peaks that dot the landscape.

Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Couples looking for an amorous honeymoon adventure will go wild for the Gobi Desert. Stretching nearly 3,000 miles along the border of Mongolia and China, this legendary area hosts an array of incredible natural wonders, from craggy red cliffsand billowing sand dunes, to rugged desert canyons. Set off with your sweetheart on a heart-pumping hike or camel ride during the day, then spend the evening watching the sun set over the flaming-red rocks of the Gobi.

For the ultimate Mongolian experience, complete your honeymoon at the Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premier eco-lodge and ger camp. Local artisans followed the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture in constructing the main lodge without a single nail. Travelers sleep in traditional felt gers, each with an unobstructed view of the Gobi. After a long day outdoors, nothing beats sitting together in the doorway of your ger sipping tea and gazing at the millions of stars hovering over the vast dark desert of Mongolia.

Plan Your Romantic Honeymoon with MIR

MIR is celebrating over 30 years of the romance of travel to the crossroads of Europe and Asia. MIR’s full service, dedication, commitment to quality, and destination expertise have twice earned us a place on National Geographic Adventure’s list of “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”

More than 30 years of travel expertise means that the specialists at MIR know how to get there, what to do while you’re there, and how to enhance your trip in each of our destinations.

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